The shoulder regionis a complex of 20 muscles, three bony articulations, and
three soft tissue moving surfaces (functional joints) that permit the greatest
mobility of any joint area found in the body.
The primary purpose of the shoulder is to put the hand in a position for function
MANUBRIUM (STERNUM)
Secures theupper extremity to the axial
skeleton
Superior: Sternal notch or jugular notch
Lateral: Clavicular facets (attachment of the
first rib)
6.
CLAVICLE
Strut bone –lateral strut to the scapula and
humerus
S-shaped, with forward convexity at the
sternal end (to clear the brachial plexus &
UE vascular bundle) and forward concavity
at the humeral/acromial end
Resting 20° to the frontal plane
7.
SCAPULA
Flat, triangular-shaped bone
5-6cm/2-3 finger-width from the
spinous processes
Landmark: T2-T7 spinous process
Dual function: (1) attachment of
muscles controlling the GH joint,
and (2) provide stable base from
which the GH joint can function
8.
HUMERUS
Head of thehumerus forms the GH jt
with the glenoid fossa.
1/3 or ½ of a sphere
Humeral head
SCAPULOTHORACIC JOINT
A functionaljoint BUT Not A “TRUE JOINT”
Functions:
Increase the ROM of the shoulder (greater reach)
Maintain favorable length-tension relationship for the deltoid muscle to
function above 90º of GH elevation
Provide GH stability through maintained glenoid and humeral head
alignment
Providing injury prevention through shock absorption of forces applied to
the outstretched arm
Permitting elevation of the body in activities (assistive device and transfers)
SCAPULOTHORACIC JOINT
Scapulothoracic Rhythm
PhaseHumerus Scapula Clavicle
I 30º Abduction Setting Phase 0-5º Elevation
II 40º Abduction 20º Upward rotation 10-15º Elevation
III 60º Abduction 30º Upward rotation
Clavicle starts to rotate
posteriorly
14.
GLENOHUMERAL JOINT
Ball-and-socket joint;Spheroid jt; Universal
Joint
Degrees of freedom: 3 DOF
Little bony stability
Articulation: Convex humeral head – Concave
glenoid fossa (shallow, inclined)
Joint relies on the surrounding soft tissue
supports for stability
Mobile, however, is at the expense of structural stability
16.
GLENOHUMERAL JOINT
Open-Packed Position
40°to 55° abduction, 30° horizontal adduction
(scapular plane)
Closed-Packed Position Full abduction, lateral rotation
Capsular Pattern Lateral rotation, abduction, medial rotation
17.
GLENOHUMERAL JOINT
Ligaments
Ligament
Position ofGreatest Jt
Protection
Motion it Limits
Coracohumeral
ligament
With arm at the side
Limits excessive lateral rotation
Limits inferior translation of humeral head
Superior GH ligament With arm at the side (0-45º) Limits anterior and inferior translation of the humeral head
Middle GH ligament
With the arm at the side and
lower levels (up to about 45°)
of abduction
Limits anterior translation and lateral rotation of the humeral head
Inferior glenohumeral
ligament
Higher levels of abduction
(above 45°), with or without
rotation
Higher levels of abduction (above 45°), with or without rotation
Anterior fibers - limit anterior humeral head translation during abduction and lateral rotation
Posterior fibers - limit posterior humeral head translation during abduction and medial
rotation
Inferior fibers - limits abduction at 90° and provides AP
All normal limitations of motion on the glenohumeral joint are due to ligamentous and passive muscle tightening. Thus, the end feels are all firm.
18.
GLENOHUMERAL JOINT
Coracoacromial arch
Osteoligamentous arch, formed by the
coracoacromial ligament, that serve as the roof to the
GH joint
Subacromial space
Space between the coracoacromial arch and the GH
joint
Supraspinatus muscle and tendon
Long head of the biceps tendon
Subacromial bursa
Superior capsule
STERNOCLAVICULAR JOINT
Type ofjoint: Saddle joint, Sellar joint
Degrees of freedom: 3 DOF
Articulation:
Medial end of clavicle
Manubrium
24.
STERNOCLAVICULAR JOINT
Open-Packed PositionArm at side
Closed-Packed Position Full elevation and protraction
Capsular Pattern
Pain at extremes of ROM, especially horizontal
adduction and full elevation
26.
STERNOCLAVICULAR JOINT
Ligament Motionit limits
Anterior SC ligament Limits posterior displacement of clavicle
Posterior SC ligament Limits anterior displacement of clavicle
Superior SC ligament
Interclavicular ligament
Limits upward clavicular displacement
Costoclavicular ligament
Limits clavicular elevation, rotation, and medial
and lateral movements
27.
SC JOINT
Kinematics
3DOF
Elevation/depression (30-45º/5-10º)
Protraction/retraction (15-30º)
Rotation
Posterior rotation (40-50º) – passive motion
Occurs after 90º of elevation
(-) rotation arm motion is limited to 110º
Arthrokinematics
28.
ACROMIOCLAVICULAR JOINT
Type ofjoint: Plane Synovial Joint
Degrees of Freedom: 3 DOF
Articulation:
Acromion process
Lateral end of Clavicle
29.
ACROMIOCLAVICULAR JOINT
Open-Packed PositionArm at side
Closed-Packed Position 90º abduction
Capsular Pattern
Pain at extremes of ROM, especially horizontal
adduction and full elevation
32.
ACROMIOCLAVICULAR JOINT
Ligaments
Ligament Motionit limits
Posterior AC ligament Limits superior translation of the distal clavicle
Superior AC ligament Limits inferior translation of the distal
Coracoclavicular ligament
• Trapezoid – restricts superior translation of
the distal clavicle (1ry)
• Conoid – prevents medial displacement of
the sacpula
33.
ACROMIOCLAVICULAR JOINT
AC JointKinematics
3 DOF of Scapular Movements
Elevation/depression
Abduction/adduction
Upward/Downward rotation
Primary function at the AC joint is to allow the scapula to maintain contact with the thorax throughout its
movement by providing slight adjustments in the scapular motions provided via the sternoclavicular joint.
SCAPULOHUMERAL RHYTHM
Upward rotation,posterior tilting and scapular external rotation w/ shoulder elevation
Synchronous motion of scapula allows the muscle moving the humerus to maintain an
effective length-tension relationship and helps maintain congruency while decreasing shear
forces.
Upper and lower trapezius and serratus anterior creates upward rotation of the scapula.
Pectoralis minor lengthening allows scapula to rotate upward, retracts, and tip posteriorly.
38.
CLAVICULAR ELEVATION ANDROTATION WITH
HUMERAL MOTION
First 30º of upward rotation of the scapula
occurs at the SC jt.
Tightening of coracoclavicular ligament,
rotates the clavicle and elevates the acromial
end additional 30º of upward rotation at
AC jt.
39.
EXTERNAL ROTATION OFHUMERUS WITH
ELEVATION
Humerus externally rotates to allow
clearance of greater tubercle to the
acromion/coracoacromial arch.
40.
DELTOID-SHORT ROTATOR CUFFAND
SUPRASPINATUS
Deltoid – upward translation of the humerus, and if unopposed, it leads to
impingement of soft tissues in the subacromial space.
In order to prevent it,
Infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis (ITS) produces stabilizing compression and downward
translation of the humerus
Deltoid and ITS actions balance forces that elevate the humerus and control humeral head
Supraspinatus has significant stabilizing, compressive, and slight upward translation.
Interruption of the coordinated function may lead to tissue microtrauma and shoulder complex
dysfunction.
41.
REFERRED PAIN ANDNERVE INJURY
Common Sources of Referred Pain in the shoulder
Cervical Spine
C3-C4 or C4-C5 segments
C4 or C5 nn roots
Referred pain
C4 dermatome
Trapezius tip of the shoulder
C5 dermatome
Deltoid region and lateral arm
Diaphragm: Pain at the upper trapezius shoulder region
Heart: Pain at the left axilla and pectoral region
Gallbladder: Pain at the tip of the shoulder and scapular region
GH JOINT ARTHRITIS
AcutePhase
Pain, muscle guarding,
limited ER & Abd.
Pain radiates to the
elbow
Sleep disturbance
Tenderness is elicited by
palpating in the sulcus
Subacute Phase Chronic Phase
Capsular tightness
(ERABIR), limited
joint play
Pain at end of
range
Progressive GH
joint capsule
restriction
Loss of function
Pain localized at
deltoid region
46.
IDIOPATHIC FROZEN SHOULDER
StageDuration Characteristics
Stage 1
Pre-freezing
<3 months
Gradual onset of pain with movement and persistent at night
Loss of ER motion
Intact rotator cuff strength
Stage 2
Freezing
3-9 months
Persistent and more intense pain at rest
Motion is limited in all direction
(-) restoration from intra-articular injections
Stage 3
Frozen
9-15 months
Pain on movement
Significant adhesions LOM
Excessive scapulothoracic movement
Atrophy: deltoid, rot cuff, biceps, and triceps
Stage 4
Thawing
15-24 months
Minimal pain
Significant capsular restrictions
Gradual improvement of motion
Some never regain normal ROM
48.
COMMON IMPAIRMENTS OFSTRUCTURE AND
FUNCTIONS
Night pain and disturbed sleep during acute flares
Pain on motion and often at rest during acute flares
Mobility: decreased joint play and ROM, usually limiting external rotation and
abduction with some limitation of internal rotation and flexion
Posture: possible faulty postural compensations with protracted and anteriorly tilted
scapula, rounded shoulders, or guarding the painful shoulder in a position of scapula
elevation and arm adduction
49.
COMMON IMPAIRMENTS OFSTRUCTURE AND
FUNCTIONS
Decreased arm swing during gait
Muscle performance: general muscle weakness and poor endurance in the GH muscles
with overuse of the scapular muscles leading to pain in the trapezius, levator
scapulae, and posterior cervical muscles
Increased scapulothoracic motion during arm movements to compensate for limited
GH mobility
50.
COMMON ACTIVITY LIMITATIONSAND
PARTICIPATION RESTRICTIONS
Inability to reach overhead, behind head, out to the side, and behind back leading to
difficulty dressing (putting on a jacket or coat or in the case of women, fastening
undergarments behind their back), reaching hand into back pocket of pants (to
retrieve wallet), reaching out a car window (to use an ATM machine), self-grooming
(combing hair, brushing teeth, washing face), and bringing eating utensils to the mouth
Difficulty lifting heavy objects above shoulder level
Limited ability to sustain repetitive activities
51.
MANAGEMENT: PROTECTION PHASE
Educatethe Patient
Activity modifications, stages of healing,
Control Pain, Edema, and Muscle Guarding
Immobilization, passive or assisted motion, oscillation
techniques, tissue mobilization
52.
MANAGEMENT
Maintain Soft Tissueand Joint Integrity and Mobility
PROM (pain free), Grade I-II distraction and glides, pendulum
exercises, gentle muscle setting
Maintain Integrity and Function of Associated Regions
Prevent complications by adding hand exercises, keep distal joints
active and mobile, (+) edema hand elevation, and ROM,
mobilization of the cervical region
53.
MANAGEMENT: CONTROLLED MOTIONPHASE
Control Pain, Edema, Joint Effusion
Functional activities, ROM
Progressively Increase Joint and Soft Tissue Mobility
Passive joint mobilization techniques (grade III sustained or grade III and IV oscillations), self-
mobilization techniques, manual stretching, self-stretching exercises
Inhibit Muscle Spasm and Correct Faulty Mechanics
Grade I and II oscillation, sustained caudal glide joint techniques, protected weight bearing, IR/ER
strengthening, movement retraining
54.
MANAGEMENT: CONTROLLED MOTIONPHASE
Improve Joint Tracking
Shoulder mobilization with movement
Improve Muscle Performance
Manual techniques, stretches, and strengthening exercises are initiated to correct muscle length or
strength imbalances, followed by an emphasis on developing active control of weak musculature.
Exercises to manage faulty spinal posture.
Active ROM of all shoulder motions daily and return to functional activities to the extent tolerated.
55.
MANAGEMENT: RETURN TOFUNCTION
Progressively Increase Flexibility and Strength
Stretching and strengthening exercises, as tolerated
Emphasis of treatment is on maintaining correct mechanics, safe progressions, and exercise strategies
for return to function.
(+) capsular restriction vigorous manual stretching and joint mobilization
Prepare for Functional Demands
Exercises must and are progressed to replicate these demands (work, sports, etc.)
56.
AC AND SCJOINT PATHOLOGIES
Pathologies Etiology of Symptoms
Overuse Syndrome
Repeated stressful joint movements or repeated
diagonal extension, adduction, and IR
Subluxation or
Dislocation
FOOSH overstretching of ligament permanent
joint hypermobility
Hypomobility
Decreased clavicular mobility may occur with SC joint
OA and may contribute to TOS by compromising the
space available for the neuromuscular bundle as it
courses between the clavicle and first rib
57.
COMMON IMPAIRMENTS OFSTRUCTURE AND
FUNCTION
Pain localized to the involved joint or ligament.
Painful arc toward the end-range of shoulder
elevation.
Pain with shoulder horizontal adduction or
abduction.
Hypermobility if trauma or overuse is involved.
Hypomobility if sustained posture, arthritis, or
immobility is involved.
58.
COMMON ACTIVITY LIMITATIONSAND
PARTICIPATION RESTRICTIONS
Limited ability to sustain repeated forceful movements of the arm, such as with
grinding, packing, assembly, and construction work
Inability to reach overhead or perform repetitive overhead activities without pain.
59.
NONOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT OFAC OR SC
JOINT STRAIN OR HYPERMOBILITY
Minimize joint loading by supporting the weight of the arm with a sling.
Cross-fiber massage to the capsule or ligaments.
Maintain ROM of the GH joint and scapulothoracic articulation.
Instruction in self-application of cross-fiber massage if joint symptoms occur after
excessive activity.
Increase strength of shoulder complex, trunk, and legs.
Gradually return to functional activities.
GOALS OF THESURGICAL PROCEDURE
Relieve pain
Improve shoulder mobility or stability
Restore or improve strength and functional use of the upper extremity.
62.
Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
(TSA)
ReversedTSA Hemiarthroplasty
(+) loss or thinning of the
articular cartilage of the head of
the humerus and the posterior
portion of the glenoid fossa.
(+) Chronic deficiency of the
rotator cuff mechanism.
(+) deterioration of the articular
surface and underlying bone of
the humeral head, but glenoid
fossa is intact.
Intact rotator cuff (90-95%)
63.
GLENOHUMERAL ARTHROPLASTY
Implant design,materials, and fixation
Unconstrained design
MC used | Small, shallow glenoid component | Greatest freedom | Indicated when Rot, Cuff is intact or can be repaired
Semiconstrained
Large glenoid component that is hooded or cup-shaped | Some degree of stability | Indicated when erosion of scapula can be
compensated by reaming the fossa | Functional rot cuff
Reverse ball and socket
Small humeral socket that slides on a larger ball-shaped glenoid component | Moderate stability with rot cuff mobility |
Alternative approach
Constrained
Fixed fulcrum, ball and socket designs | Greatest stability, dec mobility | Rarely
64.
SHOULDER ARTHROPLASTY PROCEDURE
Anteriorapproach using a deltopectoral incision that extends from the AC joint to the
deltoid insertion for adequate surgical exposure.
Release (tenotomy) of the subscapularis tendon from its proximal attachment on the
lesser tuberosity.
Anterior capsulotomy
Exposure of the humeral head for a humeral osteotomy
Preparation of the humeral canal for insertion of the prosthetic implant.
Glenoid fossa is either débrided or contoured
Reattachment of subscapularis mm
POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT
The goals,components, and rate of progression are influenced by the preoperative
and postoperative integrity of the rotator cuff mechanism.
Progression of intact rotator cuff > rotatory cuff w/ deficiency
Intraoperative ROM determines the goals for safe, stable postoperative ROM.
Emphasize an erect sitting or standing posture during elevation of the arm.
POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT
Exercise progression
TSA
Phase 1: Weeks 0-4
Phase 2: Weeks 4-12
Phase 3: Weeks 12+
rTSA
Phase 1: Weeks 0-6
Phase 2: Weeks 6-12 or 16
Phase 3: Weeks 12+ or 16+
Table 17.2 Comparison of Exercise Guidelines and
Precautions Following TSA and rTSA
69.
MAXIMUM PROTECTION PHASE(0 TO 4/6 WEEKS)
Patient education, pain control and initiation of ROM
Goals and Interventions
Control pain and inflammation
Sling or splint, analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications, cryotherapy after exercise
Maintain mobility of adjacent joints
Active ROM (AROM) spine, scapular, hand, wrist and elbow
Restore shoulder mobility
PROM (scapular plane elevation), pendulum exercises, progress: self-assisted shoulder ROM, self-assisted reaching movements |
by 4 weeks active shoulder ROM
Minimize muscle inhibition, guarding, & atrophy
Gentle ms setting, scapular stabilization (NWB, target traps and SA)
70.
MAXIMUM PROTECTION PHASE(0 TO 4/6 WEEKS)
Criteria for progress
ROM
At least: 90º passive elevation, 45º ER, and 70º IR in the plane of scapula
Pain
No pain during resisted, isometric internal rotation
Skill
Ability to perform waist-level ADLs without pain
rTSA
Tolerance of assisted ROM, ability to isometrically activate deltoid and periscapular muscles @ scapular plane.
71.
MODERATE PROTECTION PHASE(4/6 TO 12/16
WEEKS)
Focuses on gradually establishing active (unassisted) control, dynamic stability, and strength
of the shoulder while continuing to increase ROM.
Goals and Intervention
Continue to increase shoulder ROM
Develop active control and dynamic stability and improve performance of the shoulder
Pain free, low-intensity resisted isometrics of shoulder muscles
Dynamic resistance exercises for the scapula and shoulder muscles (0-90º elevation, supine sitting).
UE endurance training
72.
MODERATE PROTECTION PHASE(4/6 TO 12/16
WEEKS)
Criteria to Progress
Full, passive ROM of the shoulder (intraoperative ROM) or pain-free passive or assited shoulder flexion to 130-
140º and abd of 120º
60º ER and 70º IR in the plane of scapula
Active, antigravity elevation of the arm to at least 100° to 120° in the plane of the scapula
Deltoid: grade 4/5 MMT
73.
MINIMUM PROTECTION PHASE(12+ OR 16+
WEEKS)
Focuses on pain-free strengthening of the shoulder muscles for dynamic stability and
functional use of the upper extremity for progressively more demanding tasks.
Goals and Intervention
Continue to improve or maintain shoulder mobility
End-range self-stretching | Grade III joint mobilization | Self-mobilization
Continue to improve neuromuscular control and muscle performance of the shoulder
Pain-free, low-load, high-repetition progressive resistive exercise | Replicate functional tasks | Closed chain, restricted shoulder exercises |
Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling activities
Return to most functional activities
Use UE for more advanced functional activities | Swimming, golf (recreational activities) | Activity modification, especially on high-
demand/-impact activities
RELATED PATHOLOGIES ANDETIOLOGY OF
SYMPTOMS
Intrinsic Impingement
Rotator Cuff
Extrinsic Impingement
Mechanical Compression
Primary extrinsic impingement
E.g. Acromial variations
Secondary intrinsic impingement
Hypermobility or instability
Internal extrinsic impingement
Throwing athletes shoulder position impinge supraspinatus
tendon bet head and labrum
77.
RELATED PATHOLOGIES ANDETIOLOGY OF
SYMPTOMS
Tendonitis
Supraspinatus tendonitis
Infraspinatus tendonitis
Bicipital tendonitis
Bursitis
79.
COMMON IMPAIRMENTS OF
STRUCTUREAND FUNCTION
Impaired posture and muscle imbalances
Decreased thoracic range of motion
Rotator cuff overuse and fatigue
Weakness secondary to neuropathy
Hypomobile posterior GH joint capsule
80.
COMMON ACTIVITY LIMITATIONSAND
PARTICIPATION RESTRICTIONS
In the acute stages, pain may interfere with sleep, particularly when rolling onto the
involved shoulder.
Pain with overhead reaching, pushing, or pulling.
Difficulty lifting heavy loads.
Inability to sustain repetitive shoulder activities.
Difficulty with dressing, particularly putting a shirt on over the head.
81.
PROTECTION PHASE
Control Inflammationand Promote Healing
Modalities | Cross-fiber massage
Patient Education
Maintain Integrity and Mobility of Soft Tissues
PROM, AAROM at pain free ranges | Multiple-angle setting | Stabilization exercises (rot cuff, biceps,
scapular ms)
Control Pain and Maintain Joint Integrity
Pendulum, grade II distraction and oscillations
Develop Support in Related Regions
Postural awareness | Correction techniques | Supportive techniques (strapping, taping, tactile cues,
mirrors)
82.
CONTROLLED MOTION PHASE
PatientEducation
Develop Strong, Mobile Tissues
Cross-fiber massage or friction massage | Manual techniques | Isometric contractions at several positions | Self-
administer massage and isoms
Modify Joint Tracking and Mobility
Mobilization with movement
Develop Balance in Length and Strength of Shoulder Girdle Muscles
Stretching, strengthen and train scapulothoracic ms and rot cuff ms.
Develop Muscular Stabilization and Endurance
Alternating isoms of scapular ms in open-chain positions | Scapular and GH pattern combination | Closed-chain
stabilization | Muscular edurance progression
Progress Shoulder Function
Increase coordination, balance in strength, and endurance of should and scapular ms
83.
RETURN TO FUNCTIONPHASE
Increase Muscular Endurance
To increase muscular endurance, repetitive loading of the defined patterns is increased from 3 minutes
to 5 minutes.
Develop Quick Motor Responses to Imposed Stresses
Apply the stabilization exercises with increased speed with shorter durations and faster transitions
between the applied forces.
Plyometric training in both open-chain and closed-chain patterns
Progress Functional Training
Eccentric training is progressed to maximum load | desired functional activities are stimulated |
Patient involved in assessing performance
Editor's Notes
#2 The shoulder complex not only provides a wide range of positions for hand placement, but it also stabilizers the upper extremity for hand motions.
#10 Maintain favorable length-tension relationship for the deltoid muscle to function above 90º of GH elevation, allowing better shoulder joint stability throughout a greater ROM
Provide GH stability through maintained glenoid and humeral head alignment for work in overhead position
Permitting elevation of the body in activities such as walking with crutches or performing seated push-ups during transfers by persons with a disability
#19 Bursae
Bursa reduces friction between two structures
Subacromial bursa - is located between the supraspinatus tendon and the coracoacromial arch
Protect the supraspinatus and allow for smooth tendon movement during shoulder motion
Subdeltoid Bursa - between the deltoid muscle and the supraspinatus tendon and humeral head
#22 The fibrocartilaginous articular disc function
Hinge for motion
Stability: reduce sliding over the manubrium
Stability: increase congruency between jt surfaces
Shock absorption
#25 Ligament
Motion it limits
Anterior SC ligament
Limits posterior displacement of clavicle
Posterior SC ligament
Limits anterior displacement of clavicle
Superior SC ligament
Interclavicular ligament
Limits upward clavicular displacement
Costoclavicular ligament
Limits clavicular elevation, rotation, and medial and lateral movements
#30 .If a step deformity occurs, this ligament has been torn
#32 Coracoclavicular ligament – primary support of the acromioclavicular ligament
#33 Whereas the sternoclavicular joint provides for extensive clavicular motion and guides the general path of the scapula, the acromioclavicular joint motions are more subtle and provide for key but small adjustments of the scapula to allow continuity between the scapula and thorax during scapular movements
#41 Kher sign
Levine’s sign
Brachial plexus in the thoracic outlet. Common sites for compression are the scalene triangle and the costoclavicular space and under the coracoid process and pectoralis minor muscle. Suprascapular nerve in the suprascapular notch. This injury occurs from either direct compression or from nerve stretch, such as when carrying a heavy book bag over the shoulder. Radial nerve in the axilla. Compression occurs from continual pressure, such as when leaning on axillary crutches
#51 Educate the Patient
■ Provide information about what to expect regarding the stages of healing.
■ Instruct patient in safe motions and activity modifications that minimize joint stress.
Control Pain, Edema, and Muscle Guarding
■ The joint may be immobilized in a sling to provide rest and minimize pain.
■ Intermittent periods of passive or assisted motion within the pain free/protected ROM and gentle joint oscillation techniques to minimize further adhesions are initiated as soon as the patient tolerates movement.
■ Gentle soft tissue mobilization of the cervical and periscapular muscles may improve patient comfort and minimize protective guarding, as may cervical ROM and/or cervical grade I or II passive intervertebral mobilizations.
#52 Educate the Patient
■ Provide information about what to expect regarding the stages of healing.
■ Instruct patient in safe motions and activity modifications that minimize joint stress.
Control Pain, Edema, and Muscle Guarding
■ The joint may be immobilized in a sling to provide rest and minimize pain.
■ Intermittent periods of passive or assisted motion within the pain free/protected ROM and gentle joint oscillation techniques to minimize further adhesions are initiated as soon as the patient tolerates movement.
■ Gentle soft tissue mobilization of the cervical and periscapular muscles may improve patient comfort and minimize protective guarding, as may cervical ROM and/or cervical grade I or II passive intervertebral mobilizations.
#53 Protected weight bearing, such as leaning hands against a wall or on a table, to stimulate rotator cuff and scapula stabilizer co-contraction and improve synovial fluid movement through hyaline cartilage compression. Techniques are progressed by gentle rocking forward/backward and side to side, moving from bilateral to unilateral, increasing the angle of the joint, or adding perturbations.
#60 Severe deterioration of one or both surfaces of the GH joint or an acute or nonunion fracture of the proximal humerus often must be managed with surgical intervention. Underlying pathologies that cause advanced joint destruction include late-stage OA, RA, traumatic arthritis, cuff tear arthropathy, and osteonecrosis (avascular necrosis) of the head of the humerus.
The most common surgical procedure used to treat advanced shoulder joint pathology is GH arthroplasty, often simply referred to as shoulder arthroplasty.34 In rare situations, arthrodesis (surgical ankylosis) of the GH joint may be necessary as an alternative to arthroplasty or as a salvage procedure.
GH arthroplasty Total shoulder arthroplasty hemireplacement arthroplasty, reversed totals shoulder arthroplasty
#61 The extent to which these goals are achieved is predicated on the patient’s participation in postoperative rehabilitation, the distinguishing features and severity of the underlying pathology; the prosthetic design and surgical techniques; the integrity of the rotator cuff mechanism and other soft tissues; and the age, overall health, and anticipated activity level of the patient.
#64 Complications
The incidence of complications after TSA tends to be higher in patients with a deficient rotator cuff mechanism, osteoporosis, or a history of chronic GH joint instability.
Aside from medical complications such as infection or a deep vein thrombosis, complications specific to shoulder arthroplasty
#71 stability, and strength of the shoulder while continuing to increase ROM
#72 stability, and strength of the shoulder while continuing to increase ROM
#74 Impingement syndrome, this common and multifactorial cause of pain was originally believed to be the result of mechanical compression and irritation of suprahumeral tissues.
#75 Intrinsic conditions typically involve the deep articular side of the tendons and may progress to articular-side rotator cuff tears, seen most often in those older than 40 years of age
Extrinsic impingement is believed to occur as a result of mechanical compression of the rotator cuff against the anteroinferior one-third of the acromion in the suprahumeral space during arm elevation (Fig. 17.15). Tendon compression is believed to result from anatomical or biomechanical factors that decrease the physical dimensions of the suprahumeral space.
Internal impingement is a type of extrinsic impingement that occurs in a position of elevation, horizontal abduction, and maximum external rotation, primarily in throwing athletes
#77 Intrinsic conditions typically involve the deep articular side of the tendons and may progress to articular-side rotator cuff tears, seen most often in those older than 40 years of age
#79 Increased thoracic kyphosis, forward head, and protracted and forward-tilted scapula | With this posture, the pectoralis minor, levator scapulae, and shoulder internal rotators may become tight, and the external rotators of the shoulder and upward rotators of the scapula may test weak and have poor muscular endurance.
Thoracic extension is a component motion that is needed for full overhead reaching. | e decreased thoracic spine mobility leading to faulty scapulothoracic mechanics and altered muscle activity
If the rotator cuff musculature or long head of the biceps fatigue from overuse, they no longer provide the dynamic stabilizing, compressive, and translational forces that support the joint and control healthy joint mechanics. | Without this dynamic stability, the tissues in the subacromial space may become impinged as a result of faulty joint mechanics | There is also a relationship between muscle fatigue and joint position sense in the shoulder that may play a role in impaired performance in repetitive overhead activities
Muscle weakness may be related to compromised nerve function. Long thoracic nerve palsy has been associated with faulty scapular mechanics due to serratus anterior muscle weakness
Loss of extensibility in the posterior GH joint capsule may negatively alter humeral head translations. Increased superior translations during arm elevation are reported in studies that have experimentally tightened the posterior capsule, an effect that would decrease the available suprahumeral space.
#82 Emphasis shifts to progressive movements within safe limits and using proper mechanics while the tissues heal
#83 Specificity of training toward the desired functional outcomes begins as soon as the patient has developed control of posture and can perform the basic components of their desired activities without exacerbating the symptoms.
■ Eccentric training is progressed to maximum load.
■ Desired functional activities are simulated—first under controlled conditions, then under progressively challenging conditions using acceleration/deceleration drills.
■ The patient is involved in assessing performance in terms of safety, symptom provocation, postural control, and ease of execution and then practices adaptations to correct any identified problems